Substitute Principal 2026-2027

Tacoma Public Schools (WA); Rockville (RI); On-site; USD 94,000 - 105,000; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools seeks a Substitute Principal to provide leadership within a school building, guiding instructional programs and ensuring student welfare.

Master’s degree and valid Washington State Principal’s Certificate are required; experience as a building principal is preferred. Compensation is hourly and supervision includes staff and school operations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and prior building principal experience in a district of similar size.
• Experience with CEL 5D+ Teacher Evaluations preferred.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate and Principal’s Certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Direct, supervise, and evaluate instructional and support programs; lead staff to improve instruction and student achievement.
• Coordinate relations with students, families, staff and community; promote student welfare.
• Lead development of program improvement plans with teachers and district staff; coordinate curriculum and staff development involvement.
• Participate in policies and regulations of the State Board of Education.
• Supervise student discipline and supervision in lunchrooms, hallways, and school grounds; work with district admins in emergencies.
• Supervise security and care of equipment, buildings, grounds and property.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development activities as needed.
• Maintain high standard of ethics in all professional relationships and decisions.

Skills

Educational leadership

Student achievement

Communication

Staff development

Policy interpretation

Conflict resolution

Ethics

Attendance

Education

Master’s degree

Washington State Teaching Certificate

Washington State Principal’s Certificate

CEL 5D+ Teacher Evaluations knowledge

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

Hours per day:

Salary Level: Salary Available at Salary Schedules - Substitute Hourly Rates

• Substitute Principal $68.888 /hour
• Substitute Principal, Retired TPS, in Long Term $75.776 /hour

Benefits: NONE

JOB SUMMARY

This position, for temporary periods, provides leadership within the building to provide a responsive and dynamic educational program so that all students will acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to lead self-sufficient, well-adjusted, healthy, productive, and socially responsible lives to the best of their individual potential.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 1. Directs, supervises, facilitates, and may evaluate the instructional, guidance, and other programs of the building; is responsible for educational leadership and student achievement in the assigned building; leads staff in continuous improvement of instruction and program delivery; monitors student performance within the building.
• 2. Coordinates human relations within the school and between the school and its stakeholders (i.e., students, families, parent groups; community agencies, business community, etc.); ensures and promotes student welfare; exercises good judgment in dealings with students, staff, parents, and public.
• 3. May lead the development of program improvement plans at the building level in collaboration with teachers and district staff; coordinates the involvement of curriculum and instruction and staff development in improving instruction and programs; coordinates building involvement in the district's curriculum and program review and implementation cycle.
• 4. Participates in the formulation, interpretation, and execution of the policies and regulations of the State Board of Education.
• 5. Supervises student discipline and the management of students in the lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under district sanction; works cooperatively with district administrators in emergency situations.
• 6. Supervises the security and care of assigned equipment, buildings, grounds, and other school property.
• 7. May participate at staff meetings and in-service training programs sponsored by district administration; maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.
• 8. Maintains a high standard of ethics in all professional relationships, actions, and decisions.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• 1. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
• 2. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to an Assistant Superintendent, K-12 Support and Director of the appropriate education program or another assigned administrator; supervises certificated and classified staff.

CONDITIONS

Exposed to difficult and sensitive situations and people; exposed to public controversy; required to attend meetings and activities beyond regular work hours; required to travel within the District and the community; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree and previous experience as a building principal in a district and/or building of similar size, grade-level of building, and/or level of responsibilities; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work. Experience with or knowledge of CEL 5D+ Teacher Evaluations preferred.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate.
• Valid Washington State Principal’s Certificate at appropriate level.
• Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

*Subject to a successful employment interview*

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of leadership principles.
• Knowledge of technology related to public schools.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Ability as a communicator, mediator, and problem solver.
• Ability to consensually develop a building "mission" and achieve stated educational goals.
• Ability to provide energetic, positive, visible, and creative leadership and to implement change.
• Ability to motivate, discipline, and interact with students in an equitable and productive manner.
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to model and encourage excellence for staff and students.
• Ability to develop community and parental support for all aspects of the schools’ program.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multicultural, diverse socio-economic setting.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

• Civil Rights Coordinator: Tiffany Davis-Brantley, 253-571-1057, [e-mail]
• Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191, [e-mail]
• 504 Coordinator: Elise Friedrich-Nielsen, 253-571-1065, [e-mail]

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.